| SAPS intensifies its efforts against GBVF: 183 rape suspects arrested within a week during nationwide operations; KZN serial rapist sentenced to 10 life terms and 70 years in prison | |
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| Date Published | |
| 2025/07/25 | |
| Details | |
Media Statement
PRETORIA - The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to intensify its efforts in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Over the past week, a total of 183 suspects were arrested for rape during nationwide operations. Sixty-seven of these suspects were wanted individuals tracked down in different parts of the country. Tackling the alarming rise in gender-based violence and femicide demands a united, urgent response. To this end, the Government has launched a 90-day blitz programme, with SAPS playing an active and central role. The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit is responsible for the investigation of GBVF related cases, sexual offences, and sexual crimes committed through electronic mediums. Week after week, FCS investigators' hard work, dedication and meticulous investigations ensures sexual predators are put behind bars with lengthy sentences. Notable convictions for the past week include: ▶️ On 23 July 2025, the Nquthu Regional Court sentenced Mandlelisa Mabhale (58) to 10 life terms and an additional 70 years in prison after he was found guilty on multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and exposing children to pornography. The victims, who are all minors, informed investigators that the pastor lured them to his rented room at Ndidini area where he made them watch pornographic material then raped them. ▶️ On 17 July 2025, the Mahwelereng Regional Court sentenced Kabelo Prince Monethe (33) to life imprisonment for the rape of a 68-year-old woman from Mapela Ga-Chaba, Limpopo in December 2023. ▶️ Still on Limpopo, on 15 July 2025, the Mankweng Regional Court sentenced 24-year-old Simon Makgoba to one life term and an additional 15 years in prison for the rape and kidnapping of a 19-year-old woman. These successes reflect the SAPS's unwavering commitment to creating a safer and more secure environment for all women, children, and other vulnerable groups in South Africa. Ends
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